MIT.nano opened this summer after six years of construction and design. During that period, the most complex construction project in the history of the MIT campus has been in the hands of two extraordinary individuals: Travis Wanat and Dennis Grimard. This dynamic duo form the MIT.nano Construction Leadership Team—and their outstanding efforts have been recognized with a 2018 MIT Excellence Award for Innovative Solutions.
“The revolutionary facility that this team brought to life has been a dream of many for more than a decade,” said Vice President for Research Maria Zuber at a June ceremony to celebrate Excellence Awards honorees. “When it opens … after six years of design and construction, it will be a core MIT nerve center used by more than 2,000 people from nearly every corner of campus.”
Wanat is a Senior Project Manager of Capital Projects for MIT Facilities, serving as the liaison with Turner Construction and charged with communicating and coordinating with MIT leadership, all levels of faculty and staff, and numerous departments, labs, and centers. Grimard is the Managing Director of MIT.nano and a tireless advocate for the needs of MIT.nano users. In partnership with Wanat, Grimard ensured that the engineering details of MIT.nano are exceptionally well designed to meet future technical needs.
Their complimentary skills and experiences ensured the successful launch of MIT.nano, said Vladimir Bulović, director of MIT.nano and Fariborz Maseeh Professor of Emerging Technology.
“With the construction of MIT.nano located in the heart of our campus, the rise of the facility has been hard to miss. The majestic complexity of its design is apparent to all who enjoyed the outside view of its construction, and particularly clear to those who had a chance to tour its evolving interior. Although much can be said about the broad community engagement that led to MIT.nano’s conception and design, Travis and Dennis deserve the credit and recognition for translating those visions into the building we have today,” said Bulović. “Travis is renowned for his in-depth knowledge of complex construction paradigms, with the ability to incorporate creative construction designs seemingly effortlessly. Dennis’s hands-on experience with planning, operation and management of complex laboratory facilities, coupled with his meticulous attention to detail are evidenced in every element of the MIT.nano facility.”
The Excellence Awards acknowledge the extraordinary efforts made by members of MIT community toward fulfilling the goals, values, and mission of the Institute. Awards are bestowed in seven different categories; Wanat and Grimard were nominated by colleagues from across MIT for the Innovative Solutions award, which recognizes individuals or teams engaged in collaborative problem-solving, breaking down boundaries, and/or creating new relationships to improve the way work gets done.
Their nominators praised the pair for their dedication to steward the process throughout years of complex logistics and requirements. “Travis Wanat and Dennis Grimard shared a single goal: to create a world-class nanofabrication and nanoscience research facility to serve MIT for generations to come—a facility in which researchers could make life-changing discoveries,” wrote one colleague. “Achieving the goals of a routine construction project is challenging enough, but delivering this building on budget and on time is nearly impossible.”
Another nominator stated: “Their passion and dedication are second to none. Their pursuit of excellence … unparalleled. Their drive … incessant and inspiring. Their belief in MIT—and in all of us—is the source of their drive, strength, and conviction. They know that if they get their work done correctly, they will aid the rest of us in building a better world. They are shining examples of the best among us.”
Wanat, Grimard, and all of this year’s Excellence Awards honorees were recognized at a ceremony in June at Kresge Auditorium. To see a full list of recipients, visit the MIT Excellence Awards website.